Thread: World Cup 2018

Originally Posted by Christian1

Crazy games today. Iran almost got through, and Morocco vs. Spain looked like a crazy game. Sadly couldn't watch the games live today

I only got to see the Iran-Portugal match, and it was a good one. Portugal bossed possession, but Iran fought like hell until the end and had a good chance to win it at the end. Too bad the ref kind of lost the plot. There were some weird decisions and he lost control of the match, but at least the bad decisions were balanced: Ronaldo should have seen a red card for that elbow, and the Iran penalty should never have been a penalty.

Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed that one, and am sad to see Iran go out.

Chris,
It was a very entertaining match. Iranian played hard and I am also saddened that they are out.

Originally Posted by mglindo

I'm sure you know that and that is why referees are told to give these players a yellow card for embellisment.

Mike

But only if they see it. Last world series, I think it was the Netherlands where one of the front guys managed to get a penalty by literally making a dive and pretending he'd been tackled. The sad reality is that play-acting often works.

Originally Posted by Cangooner

Belgium look like they have started to click as a team. They should be fun to watch the rest of the way.

Well done Mexico and Germany - but hard luck on Sweden. I really thought Germany were going to Arsenal that one: dominate possession and end up with nothing to show for it. As a Gooner, I can get away with saying that! Kroos must be relieved he had a chance to redeem that terrible pass.

Also speaking as a Gooner, it was great to see Vela get that goal.

England would have been the first test, if not for the fact that BOTH teams probably want to lose that game and thereby get a much easier path in front of them.

Originally Posted by Bruno

But only if they see it. Last world series, I think it was the Netherlands where one of the front guys managed to get a penalty by literally making a dive and pretending he'd been tackled. The sad reality is that play-acting often works.

That is true. Already there has been more penalty kicks given than all of the last World Cup! The new ruling where the referee can go back and review video is a good thing as long as the referee takes advantage of it. They have not as much as they could. I think it is because it is such a new ruling they are just not used to using it enough.


Mike

Belgium Japan....
Now that was ecstasy for Belgium and a slap in the face for Japan. From 0-2 to 3-2 in the very last seconds.

Was sad about mexico losing but the Belgium game was great.

Belgium vs Japan was the most entertaining game of this World Cup so far. So entertaining and such a fast pace.


Mike

As much as I admire the Belgian team they'll need more than a 1000 Hail Marys to get past Brazil. As we weeded out the weak, the games are finally starting to look like soccer of the highest level. Be prepared for a very physical game on Friday between France and Uruguay.

Japan was a solid crew and I almost regretted them losing, if it were not for the fact that Belgium was the other team.
One thing I have to give the Japanese: they didn't stop playing. Had they switched to a 10 man defense after coming ahead by 2 points, Belgium wouldn't have won.